Rensselaer Lally School alumni from China pose for a photo with Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino during their visit back to Rensselaer to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of their graduation.

For many of us, our educational roots were the foundation for future opportunities to impact the world. Looking back on that time can provide great insight and appreciation.

In Fall 2002, a group of 20 executives from Chinese software development companies came to the Lally School of Management at Rensselaer for a one-semester, graduate level certificate program titled, Management of Software Development Firms. This program was sponsored by the China International Talent Exchange Foundation (CITEF) to improve the management of Chinese software companies.

During that program, the executives learned the latest management concepts, strategies, and methodologies from Lally School faculty in order to refine their entrepreneurial skills and abilities. As an integral part of this program, they also interacted with American information technology firms, learned about American culture, and created network opportunities.

In June 2012, to commemorate and celebrate the ten-year anniversary of their participation in this certificate program, the alumni returned to Rensselaer and the Lally School for a two-day visit hosted by a group of Lally School MBA students. A reception dinner welcomed the Chinese executives back to the region on Thursday, June 28 at Pat’s Barn in Rensselaer Tech Park.

In addition to representatives of the Rensselaer Lally School, the alumni were welcomed by Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino; Robert Pasinella, director of Rensselaer County Economic Development and Planning; and representatives from the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Center for Economic Growth (CEG). Guests also included local software companies including: Autotask, Agora Games, Enable Labs, GrandSlam Alley, GrayCastle Security, Gavant Software, and Greane Tree Technology.

Day two involved a visit back to campus and a chance to return to the Lally School in the Pittsburgh Building. Lally School Dean Tom Begley greeted and spoke with the alumni, along with several members of the Lally School faculty including: Pier Abetti, clinical professor; Jeff Durgee, associate professor; and Tom Triscari, clinical associate professor.

The alumni, led by Hongbo Jiang, chief executive officer of Dalian Zhonglian Computer Co. Ltd., each expressed their gratitude for their professors, shared what they had learned inside and outside of the classroom during the program, and provided highlights of their career achievements over the past ten years.

“The memories of ten years ago are still very strong, and we are delighted to get a chance to meet here again,” said Jiang. “We hope to continue our experience with Rensselaer after this visit as well.”